Safety Tips For Diwali: Diwali is a festival of lights, happiness and celebration. On this day every house is lit with lamps and people celebrate with firecrackers. However, amidst this excitement, a little carelessness can lead to a big accident.

Understand the danger from data:

According to Delhi Fire Department, more than 200 fire incidents were recorded on Diwali alone in the year 2023. The National Library of Medicine report shows that between 2002 and 2010, there was a steady increase in firecracker- injuries in Delhi NCR. More than 1,300 people, mostly aged between 5 and 30, were injured in the three days of Diwali. These figures show how important it is to be cautious while burning firecrackers.

dangers of firecrackers

• danger of fire or burning
• possibility of sparks in eyes
• damage to ears due to loud noise
• Side effects on people with heart and respiratory diseases
• Fear of injury to animals and birds
• Effect of smoke on asthma and lungs

Common carelessness while burning firecrackers

• Setting off fireworks in a closed room or balcony
• wearing synthetic or loose clothing
• Burning crackers near flammable objects like vehicles, petrol or perfumes
• leaving small children unsupervised
• burning spoiled or old crackers

12 important precautions on Diwali

1. Always buy firecrackers from a licensed shop.

2. Read the instructions written on the packet carefully.

3. Use fireworks only in open spaces.

4. Keep a bucket of water or sand nearby.

5. Keep the first aid kit ready.

6. Wear cotton clothes.

7. Use earplugs.

8. Stay away from electric poles or vehicles.

9. Do not light a firecracker by holding it in your hand.

10. Do not try to re-light extinguished firecrackers.

11. Do not let children burn crackers alone.

12. Celebrate eco-friendly Diwali and avoid pollution.

What to do if you get burnt by firecrackers?

• Immediately keep the burnt area in cold water for 10 minutes.
• Do not use ice or toothpaste.
• Apply light pressure with a clean cloth.
• Apply aloe vera gel or burn cream on the wound.
• In case of serious injury, contact a doctor immediately.

What to keep in first aid kit?

• Antiseptic cream (sofromycin, betadine)
• Burn Cream (Buranol)
• Dettol or Savlon
• bandage, cotton, bandage and scissors
• pain reliever
• gloves

In case of eye injury

• Wash eyes with clean water.
• Do not rub with anything.
• If pain or swelling increases, immediately contact an eye specialist.

What should the elderly and patients do?

People suffering from high BP, heart disease, asthma or respiratory problems should stay away from smoke. Stay indoors, wear a mask and use air purifiers.

Note: Diwali is a festival of happiness. The true responsibility is to celebrate it safely and pollution free.